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PhilipSaunders
Guest
I am doing research on the profitability of space debris. I would appreciate the serious input of any industry insiders on this forum.
Space debris is one of the most pressing problems that will hinder the future of spaceflight. Many solutions to the problem have been put forward, such as Star Inc.'s Electrodynamic Debris Eliminator, which basically destroys small debris from a distance using a laser. It can also use a set of arms to capture larger debris and drag it down to its destruction in the atmosphere. This kind of business could be profitable if NASA were willing to pay the company large amounts of money for doing them such a service.
However, as we all know, NASA can't be relied on for anything. I believe that the problem of space debris can be both tackled and profited from. Debris is extremely valuable both because of the high-grade materials like platinum and gold that go into them, and also for their sentimental value. Many would pay a high price for something that has been in space, like the meteorite trade. I do not however know whether the value would pay for the cost of the hardware (some of which is uninvented) and launching costs.
How difficult would it be to return debris to Earth in one piece? Could existing re-entry technology be merged with the hardware cheaply? Would it even be possible to process debris in orbit, then return it in its constituent parts?
Which launch company is the cheapest? Obviously the cheaper the better, in order to minimize overheads.
What is the most valuable constituent of space debris? For example, could empty rockets be recycled?
Again, input is appreciated. If you wish you can email me at philip.wex@gmail.com.
Space debris is one of the most pressing problems that will hinder the future of spaceflight. Many solutions to the problem have been put forward, such as Star Inc.'s Electrodynamic Debris Eliminator, which basically destroys small debris from a distance using a laser. It can also use a set of arms to capture larger debris and drag it down to its destruction in the atmosphere. This kind of business could be profitable if NASA were willing to pay the company large amounts of money for doing them such a service.
However, as we all know, NASA can't be relied on for anything. I believe that the problem of space debris can be both tackled and profited from. Debris is extremely valuable both because of the high-grade materials like platinum and gold that go into them, and also for their sentimental value. Many would pay a high price for something that has been in space, like the meteorite trade. I do not however know whether the value would pay for the cost of the hardware (some of which is uninvented) and launching costs.
How difficult would it be to return debris to Earth in one piece? Could existing re-entry technology be merged with the hardware cheaply? Would it even be possible to process debris in orbit, then return it in its constituent parts?
Which launch company is the cheapest? Obviously the cheaper the better, in order to minimize overheads.
What is the most valuable constituent of space debris? For example, could empty rockets be recycled?
Again, input is appreciated. If you wish you can email me at philip.wex@gmail.com.